Bird Island is Arkansas's largest known Purple Martin roost.
An estimated 8000 - 50,000 birds use the area between late July and early
August. The island is a staging area for martins as they feed on insects
and develop fat stores before migrating to South America. Bird Island is
located in the middle of
Lake Ouachita. Approximately 1,260 feet long, and about 100 feet at its
widest point. Much of the island beneath the trees is submerged when the
water level is up. The island sits about 0.5 miles from the next closest
island, and approximately a mile from the nearest main land shoreline. The
nearest boat launch sites are
Brady Mountain Resort,
Crystal
Springs and
Buckville Use
Area.

Purple Martin boat tours out of the Lake Ouachita State Park are from July
through August
every Thursday evening through Labor Day with two tours set up for
Saturdays, one on Aug. 21 and the second on Aug. 28. The tours will continue
as long as the roost is active and go from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $9 for
adults, $5 for children ages six to 12 and free for children under six.
Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center and the boat (s) depart from
the marina. Last year, it was estimated around 30,000 to 50,000 martins
making up the roost during it's peak in August.

Purple Martins on Lake Ouachita are especially vulnerable to
boaters, who have harassed the birds by blowing horns and walking on the
island. To dissuade this, Karen Rowe, AGFC bird conservation coordinator,
has asked AGFC enforcement and fisheries personnel to document any
disturbance of the roost. If sufficient evidence shows the island needs
protection, Rowe said AGFC could designate Bird Island an AGFC Non-Game
Wildlife Management Area, offering a legal barrier of protection during the
roosting season.